This unique guitar tuning, derived from an "Al Petteway DADGAD modification," is specifically designed for "The Thorn Birds (main theme)." It artfully shifts the tonal landscape, allowing for key changes and a deeply resonant, melodic quality.

Verbal Analysis

Evoking the majestic and melancholic feel of the classic theme, this tuning lends itself to lush fingerstyle arrangements and open, ringing chords. The low C provides a deep, grounding bass, while the doubled Gs and Ds in the middle and upper registers create rich harmonic possibilities and a natural drone. It's a tuning that feels expansive and emotive, perfect for storytelling through sound, offering both a delicate touch and a full, orchestral presence.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2 A2 D3 G3 G3 D4 (low to high). This arrangement creates a complex, open voicing:

• The overall intervallic structure, when ordered, is C-D-G-A. This strongly suggests a C major tonality with added 9th (D) and 6th (A) extensions (C6/9), even without an explicit E, which can easily be fretted.
• The low C (String 6) serves as a powerful root, grounding the entire tuning.
• The A (String 5) introduces a modal flavor, allowing for both C major and A minor harmonic contexts to emerge easily.
• Strings 4, 3, 2, and 1 (D3 G3 G3 D4) create a resonant Dsus4 chord with a doubled G, providing a bright, open sound that contrasts beautifully with the lower strings.
• The doubled Gs (String 3 & 2) and Ds (String 4 & 1) facilitate drone playing and create natural harmonic resonance across the instrument.

Accessible Chords and Voicings

This tuning is exceptionally versatile for creating rich, open voicings:

• C Major and Extensions (C6, C6/9): With the open C, G, and D, fretting an E (e.g., 2nd fret on the 4th string or 7th fret on the 5th string) instantly yields a full C Major. The open A further enriches it to a C6 or C6/9 sound.
• G Major and Gsus4: The open Gs and D make these chords incredibly resonant and easy to form. A G major can be formed with minimal fretting, often by just adding a B on the 5th string.
• D Major, Dsus2, Dsus4: The open D and G strings naturally lean towards D sus chords. Fret an A on the 2nd or 3rd string to complete a D Major.
• A Minor and A7: The open A string, combined with the low C and open G, makes these chords readily available with simple finger positions.
• Its unique structure encourages melodic lines that can weave between the open strings, making it ideal for instrumental pieces and intricate arpeggios.

Tuning Notes

Here are the notes for each string, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• 6th String: C2 (Low C)
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: G3
• 1st String: D4 (High D)

How to Tune Your Guitar to Thorn Birds CADGGD

Starting from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C.
  Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; for optimal tension and tone, especially if you plan to use this tuning frequently, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains A.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains D.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains G.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G.
  Note: Similar to the 6th string, a 4-semitone drop is substantial; a heavier gauge string is recommended for consistent tension and intonation.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D.